Babar Azam retained by Sydney Sixers for Brisbane Heat clash despite Steve Smith controversy

All eyes are on the Sydney Sixers as they finalize their squad for their do-or-die Big Bash League 2025-26 match against the Brisbane Heat, with one decision immediately grabbing attention. And that was Babar Azam’s place in the squad for the crucial 2025-2026 BBL match, despite his slow batting.

Sydney Sixers back Babar Azam for do-or-die BBL 2025-26 match against Brisbane Heat

The Sydney Sixers have retained faith in Pakistan star Babar Azam and retained him in their 14-player squad for the must-win match at the Gabba on Sunday (January 18) as they target a second-place finish in the 2025-26 BBL points table.

Also read: Steve Smith dragged through the mud of ‘Sandpapergate’, brutally abused by Babar Azam fans after BBL incident

The match also promises a star-studded showdown. Australian Test icons Mitchell Starc and Steve Smith will once again don the magenta jersey and put on mouth-watering battles against their national teammates in the Brisbane Heat side, featuring Michael Neser, Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja, raising the stakes even higher at The Gabba.

Sydney Sixers Squad for BBL 15 clash against Brisbane Heat:

Moises Henriques (C), Sean Abbott, Babar Azam, Sam Curran, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Ben Manenti, Josh Philippe, Lachlan Shaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc.

To be continued…